I headed down to the inaugural Blackbird Festival, part of the summer concert series at Cardiff Castle, to catch Cardinal Black, Florence Black, Mammoth, Skindred and Alter Bridge. With the blazing Cardiff sunshine beating down, it was an early start, but the weather couldn't dampen the excitement surrounding what promised to be an incredible day of rock music.
First up were South Wales favourites Cardinal Black (7). Before the music began, Planet Rock's Ian Danter took to the stage as compere for the day, getting the crowd fired up before introducing each band. The mention of Cardinal Black's name was met with a huge roar from the audience, which only grew louder as the band walked on stage wearing broad smiles and carrying an unmistakable air of calm confidence.
Vocalist Tom Hollister got things underway with a cheeky "Alright?" before launching straight into Keep On Running, taken from the band's outstanding 2025 album Midnight At The Valencia. Right from the opening notes, the band's quality was obvious. Hollister's smooth vocals blended beautifully with the rich keyboard textures, while guitarist Chris Buck once again proved why many consider him to be one of the finest guitarists in the world. His effortless playing was nothing short of mesmerising.
The band continued with songs including Tell Me How It Feels from their 2022 debut album, a beautifully melodic track that had plenty of people singing along inside the stunning surroundings of Cardiff Castle. Thankfully, although the sun continued to shine, the heat remained just about manageable, making for perfect festival conditions.
Cardinal Black simply ooze class. Their effortless musicianship, soulful songwriting and relaxed stage presence made them the perfect choice to open the festival. Everywhere you looked there were smiles, voices singing along and people completely immersed in the music. You really couldn't ask for a better start to the day from such an impressively talented band.
After a short break for the changeover, everyone had the chance to rehydrate before the next dose of Welsh rock. Up next were Merthyr Tydfil's own Florence Black (8), who walked onto the stage to a huge roar from the Cardiff crowd.
The trio wasted no time in getting things underway with Look Up from their 2024 album Bed Of Nails. From the opening riff, the band's slick, hard rock sound immediately got the audience moving. Florence Black have a fantastic chemistry on stage, with vocalist and guitarist Tristan Thomas and bassist Jordan "Fozzy" Evans effortlessly switching sides throughout the set, while drummer Perry Davies never stopped moving behind the kit, his energy ensuring every corner of the stage felt alive. For a three-piece, they have an incredible ability to command such a large stage without ever looking out of place.
The reaction from the Cardiff crowd was superb from start to finish, with every song receiving a huge response. Although we only heard one track from the band's latest release, The Pouring Rain from their 2026 album of the same name, it slotted seamlessly into the set alongside older favourites.
As the performance gathered momentum, Florence Black demonstrated exactly why they continue to establish themselves as one of the UK's finest modern rock bands. Their set was packed with huge riffs, soaring melodies and plenty of crowd interaction, all delivered with an infectious sense of enjoyment that made it impossible not to get caught up in the moment.
The band closed with an excellent cover of Budgie's Breadfan, before finishing on the ever-popular Sun And Moon from their debut album Weight Of The World. It was a slick and polished performance throughout, but one that never lost its sense of fun. The chemistry between the three musicians was evident from beginning to end, making for a thoroughly entertaining set that left the Cardiff crowd wanting more.
With enough time between sets to grab a drink and browse the merch stands, I made it back to the stage just in time to catch Mammoth (7). The American rock outfit received a warm Welsh welcome as they walked on stage before launching straight into The End, the title track from their 2025 album.
It was the perfect introduction to the band, immediately showcasing the blend of melodic hard rock and technical musicianship that has become Mammoth's trademark. From the opening guitar riff, the influence of the Van Halen legacy was unmistakable, but rather than relying on nostalgia, the band quickly demonstrated that they have carved out a sound that is very much their own.
Wolfgang Van Halen looked completely at home on stage, delivering powerful vocals while effortlessly handling guitar duties throughout the set. Backed by an excellent live band, Mammoth powered through a collection of songs that balanced soaring melodies with crushing riffs, keeping the Cardiff crowd engaged from beginning to end.
A particular highlight came with Same Old Song, another track from the band's latest album. During the song, the audience opened up the day's first circle pit, prompting Wolfgang to remark afterwards that it was the first one Mammoth had ever received. The comment was met with a huge cheer from the Cardiff faithful, who clearly appreciated the band's reaction as much as the music itself.
The energy continued to build as Mammoth tore through the remainder of their set, seamlessly shifting between melodic rock anthems and heavier, foot-stomping moments that had the crowd bouncing throughout. They rounded things off with the acclaimed Don't Back Down from their self-titled debut album, bringing an excellent performance to a fitting close.
By the end of the set, the audience was fully warmed up for the evening ahead. Mammoth delivered a polished, energetic performance that highlighted exactly why they are regarded as one of the most exciting modern rock acts on the scene today.
I'll do my best not to let my admiration for our next band show too much, but when it comes to Skindred (8), that's easier said than done. I've been following Benji Webbe's career since first seeing Dub War back in 1998 at the legendary TJ's one-off festival in Newport. From Skindred's earliest shows right through to today, I've watched the band grow into one of the UK's most respected live acts. Being from the same city as Benji, I've also seen first-hand what a genuine ambassador he is for Newport and the wider Welsh music scene.
As far as today's performance was concerned, the anticipation had been building long before the band even stepped onto the stage. The moment they appeared, the atmosphere inside Cardiff Castle shifted up another level.
Opening with This Is The Sound from the band's UK Number One album You Got This, Skindred immediately had the crowd bouncing. Looking around the castle grounds, it was almost impossible to find anyone who wasn't either singing along, dancing or grinning from ear to ear. The band's infectious energy spread through the audience within moments, setting the tone for another unforgettable festival performance.
One of Skindred's greatest strengths is the depth of their catalogue. It genuinely doesn't seem to matter what song comes next; the vast majority of the crowd know every lyric and every beat. Benji remains one of the finest frontmen in rock, effortlessly controlling the audience with his trademark humour, charisma and crowd interaction. Whether he's joking between songs or encouraging another wave of bouncing, he has thousands of people in the palm of his hand from start to finish.
The set reached another level when the band rolled back the years with Ratrace from 2007's Roots Rock Riot. Circle pits erupted once again as the relentless energy refused to let up. The balance between older favourites and songs from the latest album was spot on, giving long-time fans and newer listeners plenty to enjoy.
There were also plenty of memorable moments throughout the set, including snippets of tracks by hip-hop legends Pharoahe Monch and Dr. Dre, before the entire castle joined together in a spine-tingling rendition of Queen's Don't Stop Me Now. Hearing thousands of voices singing in unison against the backdrop of Cardiff Castle was one of the standout moments of the entire festival.
To close, the band delivered the formidable trio of Nobody, Gimme That Boom, and, of course, Warning. It simply wouldn't be a Skindred show without the now legendary Newport Helicopter, and the sight of thousands of people waving shirts, hats and anything else they could find above their heads was something to behold.
First up were South Wales favourites Cardinal Black (7). Before the music began, Planet Rock's Ian Danter took to the stage as compere for the day, getting the crowd fired up before introducing each band. The mention of Cardinal Black's name was met with a huge roar from the audience, which only grew louder as the band walked on stage wearing broad smiles and carrying an unmistakable air of calm confidence.
Vocalist Tom Hollister got things underway with a cheeky "Alright?" before launching straight into Keep On Running, taken from the band's outstanding 2025 album Midnight At The Valencia. Right from the opening notes, the band's quality was obvious. Hollister's smooth vocals blended beautifully with the rich keyboard textures, while guitarist Chris Buck once again proved why many consider him to be one of the finest guitarists in the world. His effortless playing was nothing short of mesmerising.
The band continued with songs including Tell Me How It Feels from their 2022 debut album, a beautifully melodic track that had plenty of people singing along inside the stunning surroundings of Cardiff Castle. Thankfully, although the sun continued to shine, the heat remained just about manageable, making for perfect festival conditions.
Cardinal Black simply ooze class. Their effortless musicianship, soulful songwriting and relaxed stage presence made them the perfect choice to open the festival. Everywhere you looked there were smiles, voices singing along and people completely immersed in the music. You really couldn't ask for a better start to the day from such an impressively talented band.
After a short break for the changeover, everyone had the chance to rehydrate before the next dose of Welsh rock. Up next were Merthyr Tydfil's own Florence Black (8), who walked onto the stage to a huge roar from the Cardiff crowd.
The trio wasted no time in getting things underway with Look Up from their 2024 album Bed Of Nails. From the opening riff, the band's slick, hard rock sound immediately got the audience moving. Florence Black have a fantastic chemistry on stage, with vocalist and guitarist Tristan Thomas and bassist Jordan "Fozzy" Evans effortlessly switching sides throughout the set, while drummer Perry Davies never stopped moving behind the kit, his energy ensuring every corner of the stage felt alive. For a three-piece, they have an incredible ability to command such a large stage without ever looking out of place.
The reaction from the Cardiff crowd was superb from start to finish, with every song receiving a huge response. Although we only heard one track from the band's latest release, The Pouring Rain from their 2026 album of the same name, it slotted seamlessly into the set alongside older favourites.
As the performance gathered momentum, Florence Black demonstrated exactly why they continue to establish themselves as one of the UK's finest modern rock bands. Their set was packed with huge riffs, soaring melodies and plenty of crowd interaction, all delivered with an infectious sense of enjoyment that made it impossible not to get caught up in the moment.
The band closed with an excellent cover of Budgie's Breadfan, before finishing on the ever-popular Sun And Moon from their debut album Weight Of The World. It was a slick and polished performance throughout, but one that never lost its sense of fun. The chemistry between the three musicians was evident from beginning to end, making for a thoroughly entertaining set that left the Cardiff crowd wanting more.
With enough time between sets to grab a drink and browse the merch stands, I made it back to the stage just in time to catch Mammoth (7). The American rock outfit received a warm Welsh welcome as they walked on stage before launching straight into The End, the title track from their 2025 album.
It was the perfect introduction to the band, immediately showcasing the blend of melodic hard rock and technical musicianship that has become Mammoth's trademark. From the opening guitar riff, the influence of the Van Halen legacy was unmistakable, but rather than relying on nostalgia, the band quickly demonstrated that they have carved out a sound that is very much their own.
Wolfgang Van Halen looked completely at home on stage, delivering powerful vocals while effortlessly handling guitar duties throughout the set. Backed by an excellent live band, Mammoth powered through a collection of songs that balanced soaring melodies with crushing riffs, keeping the Cardiff crowd engaged from beginning to end.
A particular highlight came with Same Old Song, another track from the band's latest album. During the song, the audience opened up the day's first circle pit, prompting Wolfgang to remark afterwards that it was the first one Mammoth had ever received. The comment was met with a huge cheer from the Cardiff faithful, who clearly appreciated the band's reaction as much as the music itself.
The energy continued to build as Mammoth tore through the remainder of their set, seamlessly shifting between melodic rock anthems and heavier, foot-stomping moments that had the crowd bouncing throughout. They rounded things off with the acclaimed Don't Back Down from their self-titled debut album, bringing an excellent performance to a fitting close.
By the end of the set, the audience was fully warmed up for the evening ahead. Mammoth delivered a polished, energetic performance that highlighted exactly why they are regarded as one of the most exciting modern rock acts on the scene today.
I'll do my best not to let my admiration for our next band show too much, but when it comes to Skindred (8), that's easier said than done. I've been following Benji Webbe's career since first seeing Dub War back in 1998 at the legendary TJ's one-off festival in Newport. From Skindred's earliest shows right through to today, I've watched the band grow into one of the UK's most respected live acts. Being from the same city as Benji, I've also seen first-hand what a genuine ambassador he is for Newport and the wider Welsh music scene.
As far as today's performance was concerned, the anticipation had been building long before the band even stepped onto the stage. The moment they appeared, the atmosphere inside Cardiff Castle shifted up another level.
Opening with This Is The Sound from the band's UK Number One album You Got This, Skindred immediately had the crowd bouncing. Looking around the castle grounds, it was almost impossible to find anyone who wasn't either singing along, dancing or grinning from ear to ear. The band's infectious energy spread through the audience within moments, setting the tone for another unforgettable festival performance.
One of Skindred's greatest strengths is the depth of their catalogue. It genuinely doesn't seem to matter what song comes next; the vast majority of the crowd know every lyric and every beat. Benji remains one of the finest frontmen in rock, effortlessly controlling the audience with his trademark humour, charisma and crowd interaction. Whether he's joking between songs or encouraging another wave of bouncing, he has thousands of people in the palm of his hand from start to finish.
The set reached another level when the band rolled back the years with Ratrace from 2007's Roots Rock Riot. Circle pits erupted once again as the relentless energy refused to let up. The balance between older favourites and songs from the latest album was spot on, giving long-time fans and newer listeners plenty to enjoy.
There were also plenty of memorable moments throughout the set, including snippets of tracks by hip-hop legends Pharoahe Monch and Dr. Dre, before the entire castle joined together in a spine-tingling rendition of Queen's Don't Stop Me Now. Hearing thousands of voices singing in unison against the backdrop of Cardiff Castle was one of the standout moments of the entire festival.
To close, the band delivered the formidable trio of Nobody, Gimme That Boom, and, of course, Warning. It simply wouldn't be a Skindred show without the now legendary Newport Helicopter, and the sight of thousands of people waving shirts, hats and anything else they could find above their heads was something to behold.
Adding to the occasion, Florence Black frontman Tristan Thomas joined the band on stage to perform Jacoby Shaddix's guest vocals, earning one of the biggest cheers of the day.
More than 25 years into their career, Skindred continue to prove why they remain one of the best live bands in Britain. Their ability to unite people through music, positivity and sheer energy is unmatched, and today's performance was another reminder that they have no intention of slowing down anytime soon.
As darkness began to fall over Cardiff Castle, it was finally time for the evening's headliners, Alter Bridge (8). The Florida rock giants took to the stage to a thunderous reception before launching straight into Silent Divide, the opening track from their latest self-titled album. From the very first note, both the band and the crowd were completely locked in, creating an electric atmosphere that would only grow stronger throughout the set.
The band's trademark blend of soaring melodies, crushing riffs and flawless musicianship was on full display. Myles Kennedy was in exceptional form, delivering stunning vocals while effortlessly switching between singing and guitar duties. Alongside him, Mark Tremonti's impeccable guitar work once again proved why he is regarded as one of modern rock's finest players, while bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips provided the rock-solid foundation that gives Alter Bridge their unmistakably huge live sound.
The classics soon followed, with Addicted To Pain and Cry Of Achilles, both taken from the outstanding 2013 album Fortress. Every song was met with an incredible response from the Cardiff crowd, who sang back almost every word while the band delivered one powerful performance after another. Guitar solos came thick and fast, accompanied by the kind of heavy, headbanging riffs that fans had been waiting for all day.
This was my first time seeing Alter Bridge live, and I have to say they exceeded every expectation. The performance was incredibly polished without ever feeling over-rehearsed, and the chemistry between the four musicians was evident throughout the set. As the evening wore on, the backdrop of Cardiff Castle became an increasingly spectacular setting, adding even more atmosphere as darkness settled over the historic venue.
The highlights kept coming with Ghost Of Days Gone By from AB III, a song that united thousands of voices in one unforgettable singalong. It was one of those special festival moments where the connection between band and audience was impossible to ignore.
The atmosphere reached fever pitch when the unmistakable opening riff of Metalingus, from the band's 2004 debut One Day Remains, rang out across the castle grounds. The crowd erupted instantly, with mosh pits opening once again and fans bouncing from the front barrier right to the back of the field.
To close the evening, Alter Bridge delivered the emotional masterpiece Blackbird, a breath-taking seven-minute epic that showcased everything the band do so well. They then signed off with Isolation from AB III, bringing an unforgettable day of music to a perfect conclusion. Even after almost ten hours of live music, the Cardiff crowd still had plenty left in the tank, singing every word and throwing themselves into one last round of bouncing and circle pits.
It was a fitting end to an outstanding inaugural Blackbird Festival. Five excellent bands, a stunning setting and an atmosphere that never dipped made for a truly memorable day. Hearing Myles Kennedy confirm from the stage that the festival will return next year was the icing on the cake.
Bring on Blackbird Festival 2027.
More than 25 years into their career, Skindred continue to prove why they remain one of the best live bands in Britain. Their ability to unite people through music, positivity and sheer energy is unmatched, and today's performance was another reminder that they have no intention of slowing down anytime soon.
As darkness began to fall over Cardiff Castle, it was finally time for the evening's headliners, Alter Bridge (8). The Florida rock giants took to the stage to a thunderous reception before launching straight into Silent Divide, the opening track from their latest self-titled album. From the very first note, both the band and the crowd were completely locked in, creating an electric atmosphere that would only grow stronger throughout the set.
The band's trademark blend of soaring melodies, crushing riffs and flawless musicianship was on full display. Myles Kennedy was in exceptional form, delivering stunning vocals while effortlessly switching between singing and guitar duties. Alongside him, Mark Tremonti's impeccable guitar work once again proved why he is regarded as one of modern rock's finest players, while bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips provided the rock-solid foundation that gives Alter Bridge their unmistakably huge live sound.
The classics soon followed, with Addicted To Pain and Cry Of Achilles, both taken from the outstanding 2013 album Fortress. Every song was met with an incredible response from the Cardiff crowd, who sang back almost every word while the band delivered one powerful performance after another. Guitar solos came thick and fast, accompanied by the kind of heavy, headbanging riffs that fans had been waiting for all day.
This was my first time seeing Alter Bridge live, and I have to say they exceeded every expectation. The performance was incredibly polished without ever feeling over-rehearsed, and the chemistry between the four musicians was evident throughout the set. As the evening wore on, the backdrop of Cardiff Castle became an increasingly spectacular setting, adding even more atmosphere as darkness settled over the historic venue.
The highlights kept coming with Ghost Of Days Gone By from AB III, a song that united thousands of voices in one unforgettable singalong. It was one of those special festival moments where the connection between band and audience was impossible to ignore.
The atmosphere reached fever pitch when the unmistakable opening riff of Metalingus, from the band's 2004 debut One Day Remains, rang out across the castle grounds. The crowd erupted instantly, with mosh pits opening once again and fans bouncing from the front barrier right to the back of the field.
To close the evening, Alter Bridge delivered the emotional masterpiece Blackbird, a breath-taking seven-minute epic that showcased everything the band do so well. They then signed off with Isolation from AB III, bringing an unforgettable day of music to a perfect conclusion. Even after almost ten hours of live music, the Cardiff crowd still had plenty left in the tank, singing every word and throwing themselves into one last round of bouncing and circle pits.
It was a fitting end to an outstanding inaugural Blackbird Festival. Five excellent bands, a stunning setting and an atmosphere that never dipped made for a truly memorable day. Hearing Myles Kennedy confirm from the stage that the festival will return next year was the icing on the cake.
Bring on Blackbird Festival 2027.
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